Tatiana Avhustinova
(Kamyanets-Podilsky Ivan Ohiienko National University)
Scientific Supervisor: M.V. Matkovska, Senior Lecturer
THE LEXICO-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT MORALITY IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDY “HAMLET”
The analysis of the concept morality in Shakespeare’s works holds great significance for the contemporary world, as it aids in understanding profound issues related to human nature, society, and moral values. MORAL (from Latin moralis – moral, from mores – custom, will, law, property) – a spiritual and cultural mechanism for regulating the behavior of individuals and social groups by means of identifying what is appropriate, which summarizes norms, values, patterns of behavior, principles of attitude towards other persons and social groups.
According to P. Brown, “moral choice can be defined as a spiritual-practical situation of self-determination of an individual, based on the individual’s propensity for a critical analysis of their behavior in the coordinates of good and evil”
[1, p. 131–133].
It is known that complex situations of moral choice, described in literature, reveal the characteristic patterns of human existence in all their dramatic complexity. Characters in Shakespearean tragedies also face challenging decisions. One of the key moral dilemmas in “Hamlet”, permeating the entire work, revolves around the struggle between good and evil. This timeless theme always evokes interest and contemplation among readers and viewers. In “Hamlet” this conflict becomes particularly intense due to the personal conflicts of the main character.
At the beginning of the work, the main character is full of ardent love for life, but over time he realizes that his ideas about the world and the real world are significantly different. Very conflicting feelings rage in his soul. The monologue about Man testifies to the tragic dichotomy of Hamlet, in it there is a struggle between ideal ideas and cruel reality. At first, he sincerely believes in a person: “What a masterpiece a man is! What a noble mind! What a limitless flair! How impressive and surprising is the expediency of the figure and movements! Action is like an angel! Is this a person who considers food and sleep to be the greatest good?” [2, p. 19–20].
Shakespeare often employs oxymorons to create paradox and imbue the characters’ dialogue with a sense of uncertainty, depicting the emotional turmoil through which the protagonist navigates while making crucial decisions:“I will bestow him, and will answer well The death I gave him. So, again, good night. I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins and worse remains behind. One word more, good lady” [2, p. 35–37].
Hamlet wants to avenge his father’s death and is unsure about how to proceed or what actions to take. He doesn’t want his mother to suffer and also desires revenge. His emotional turmoil is expressed through words like I must be cruel, only to be kind. Also Hamlet reflects on the essence of human nature and its capacity for good and evil. His belief in the greatness of the human soul intertwines with a realism that points out its flaws and vices. The crucial question arises: how noble can a person be, and can one overcome their own limitations? The soliloquy “To be or not to be?” unveils timeless philosophical inquiries about the meaning of life and the existence of purpose after death. Hamlet views life as a succession of hardships and sufferings, casting doubt on the notion of eternal significance. These reflections leave the reader pondering their own life philosophy: To be, or not to be,
that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?
To die, to sleep, No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks [2, p. 95].
At the outset, Hamlet confronts the existential quandary: To be, or not to be: that is the question. This succinct yet weighty inquiry encapsulates the essence of human existence, inviting reflection on the purpose and meaning of life
[2, p. 115]. Hamlet’s deliberation reflects a universal struggle with the inevitability of suffering and the uncertainty of death.
The key moral dilemma faced by Hamlet revolves around the choice between vengeful actions and restraint. Upon learning about his father’s murder, his moral integrity calls into question the necessity of seeking revenge, leading to numerous internal conflicts: In this soliloquy, Hamlet reflects on the opportunity to take revenge on King Claudius, who he believes has murdered his father. The passage reveals the complexity of Hamlet’s character and his moral struggle with the concept of revenge. The phrase “And now I’ll do’t; – and so he goes to heaven reveals Hamlet’s internal conflict. On one hand, he wants to seize the moment and take revenge, but on the other hand, he acknowledges the religious implications of killing Claudius while he is in a prayer. Hamlet considers the consequences of sending Claudius to heaven instead of punishing him for his sins. This underscores Hamlet’s internal struggle to find a course of action that aligns with his sense of justice. Shakespeare delves into Hamlet’s inner turmoil, emphasizing the moral complexities of revenge and the internal conflict faced by the protagonist. The passage captures Hamlet’s struggle with his conscience and his desire for justice in the face of moral ambiguity.
It is important to note that Hamlet is not an ideal of morality, but he continually aspires towards it. He symbolizes human virtues such as intellect and modesty, yet his virtues do not prevent him from being compassionate. In all its complexity, the moral issues in “Hamlet”provide us with an opportunity to r understand deeper human nature and the timeless nature of moral values. Shakespeare crafted a work that remains relevant and significant for understanding the contemporary world, placing a profound emphasis on Hamlet in the examination of the moral aspects of life and death.
REFERENCES
- Brown P., Levinson S. Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 345 p.
- Shakespeare, W. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Longman : Pearson, 2008. 289 p.
СПИСОК ВИКОРИСТАНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ
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